MD_DA431
DA
MD DA431 BUTTER - CENTRAL 

MADISON, WI.  May 15, 2013 (Report 20)

CENTRAL BUTTER:  

Current butterfat component values in farm milk intakes show seasonal 
declines are in progress, according to dairy processors.  Spot loads of 
cream are available, but some butter manufacturers indicate Class II 
demand is usurping some of the cream loads they've received from regular 
sources in earlier weeks.  Butter churning activity is stepping lower in 
the Central region in concert with cream availability.  Bulk butter 
demand is lackluster, according to various manufacturers.  Orders from 
food service account managers buying for educational institutions are 
cutting back sharply on new orders as schools transition to summer 
schedules over the next few weeks.  A few convenience stores in the 
Central region are featuring butter at $1.79 for 1 pound of quarters, to 
spark consumer interest before sweet corn season.  According to GATS, 
butter quota imports total .64 million pounds, a 130.8% increase from 1 
year ago.  January - April 2013 high tier imports total 3.2 million 
pounds, a 52.5% increase from one year ago.  At the CME, butter trading 
managed the first daily gain in almost a full month by tacking on .75 
cent on Wednesday.  The previous uptick on CME butter trading occurred on 
April 18, 2013.  


1500c   Janet.Linder@ams.usda.gov